put/lay your head/neck on the block

(redirected from lay your neck on the block)

put one's head on the block (for someone or something)

Fig. to take great risks for someone or something; to go to a lot of trouble or difficulty for someone or something; to attempt to gain favor for someone or something. I don't know why I should put my head on the block for Joan. What has she ever done for me?Sally tried to get me to put in a good word about her with the boss. But the last time I put my head on the block for anyone, it all backfired, and when the person goofed up, I looked like an idiot!

put your head on the block

or

put your neck on the block

If you put your head on the block or put your neck on the block, you risk your reputation or position by taking a particular course of action. When the Prime Minister called a by-election in his own constituency, he put his head on the block.He really put his neck on the block there and it's great to see his bravery being rewarded. Note: You can also say that you put your head on the chopping block. I'm not going to be the one who puts my head on the chopping block. Note: The `block' here is a special piece of wood on which a prisoner was made to place his or her head before being beheaded.

put/lay your head/neck on the block

risk defeat, failure, etc.; put yourself in a situation where you might be blamed, criticized, etc: The government laid its head on the block and said that if it loses this vote in Parliament tonight it will call an election. ♢ I’m prepared to put my neck on the block and promise that the new building will be ready by the end of the year.In the past when people were executed (= killed as a punishment), they had to lay their head on a block so that it could be chopped off.

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